SLAB237

PROBE

A large metallic slab weighs fifty pounds. It has a basic merchant value of 0 pieces of gold. A large metallic slab has not been set with any gold coin value. It cannot be owned. You discern that it originates from Eastern wing of library.

EXAMINE

The block is circular in shape and has a perfectly flat top. Its metallic surface reflects the light and although it seems to have been here for a long time, the material shows no sign of age or wear, apart from numerous stones strewn across it. You notice that a fine three by three grid has been scratched into surface of the slab, each square in the grid is numbered from one to nine. Below the grid an inscription has been etched into the stone. You could read it. READ INSCRIPTION The message is written in an elaborate cursive, and you wonder how the writer managed to write with such fine detail in such hard stone. "This being a magick device to turn stones to jewels. Ye must arrange the stones in the grid such that there is the same number of stones in every vertical column and horizontal row. No two squares can have the same number of stones. When the stones are arranged in order, utter the incantation to complete the spell." You may PLACE IN to arrange the stones as you please. When you are satisfied that the stones are arranged correctly, UTTER the incantation to start the device. You may also examine the grid to see the current position of the stones.

QUEST

UTTER You speak the words and almost immediately notice the stones begin to move. Slowly at first they slide towards the centre square until, with a blinding flash of light they simultaneously collide in the centre of the grid. As the smoke clears all that is left of the stones is a small, perfectly formed gemstone. You take the gemstone in your hands